THE hierarchy and status of Land Rover models is in a constant state of flux, the order changing as time and experience alter our perceptions. A Series I was once a simple agricultural tool for the farm, but who today would think to put a cosseted 80in to such use? Likewise, try to find a cheap Discovery 1 to take off-road these days.
At the time of its launch the Discovery 4 was often cited as the most practical all-round Land Rover to date. Comfortable, economical, spacious for families or tip runs alike, eating motorway miles one minute, and lifting wheels off-road the next – except, of course, that a D4 was too expensive for most owners to consider venturing too far away from the tarmac. And with the car still in warranty, few folk would risk modifying one. Now,